Planning a trip to Washington DC

Washington DC places to visit

With its high-profile politicos, marbled monuments, neoclassical government buildings, broad avenues and eclectic neighborhoods, Washington, D.C certainly looks its part as the country’s capital. Majestic memorials and monuments pay tribute to great achievements and notable leaders and merit a visit.

D.C also firmly lives in the present; not just politically but also in so many other ways. New bars and restaurants emerge every day. They up the hipness factor in the neighborhoods from U Street to Capitol Hill.

Tree-shaded parks and fun museums make it an incredible place for families to visit. While visitors might visit D.C. for the official sites, there’s plenty more to see and do.

Are you into shopping? Whether your shopping for clothes, books, arts and crafts, souvenirs, drinks etc, there’s plenty of places to do that in the city.

Customs and Culture

D.C. has plenty of long attracted power players, history buffs, petitioners, and lobbyists. These days, it’s growing a highly diverse population courtesy of its unfolding restaurant, shopping centers, nightlife scenes, and resurging neighborhoods. Washington also beckons to folks from every corner of the country and the world because of its high-power universities and jobs. Whether you’re here for business or pleasure, you must adhere to certain unspoken customs. For example, if you want to stick out as a local when using the metro, just know the escalator’s right side is for standing. The left side is open for anyone in a hurry down or up.

Washington D.C. Places to Visit

#1: Lincoln Memorial

If you’re a history enthusiast, then a visit to the Lincoln Memorial will certainly inspire you. Etched deeply on the two opposing walls are the two famous speeches the Gettysburg Address and the second inaugural address. The building’s striking design featuring 38 Doric columns is something architecture aficionados will find admirable. The memorial’s waterfalls and fountains are incredible to watch.

#2: National World War II Memorial

In 22004, this popular memorial was dedicated to the over 400,000 Americans that lost their lives in the Second World War. The memorial has 56 pilings that look over the Rainbow Pool. With lights shining at night, there’s no doubt that the memorial can turn out to be quite ethereal.

#3: The White House

The White House and Washington Memorial are the two marbleized symbols of free world. Even if you’re visiting D.C. for a short trip, a visit here is definitely a must. At 5 inches and 555 feet, this monument was the tallest in the world at its completion. A visit here gives you the opportunity to ride on glass-encased elevators and enjoy a 360-degree view of the city. Nonetheless, the elevators are undergoing renovations currently. Therefore, you’ll not be able to use them until 2019.

#4: The Library of Congress

Many people are of the opinion that this is D.C’s most magnificent building. This is where visitors stream in to have a glimpse of politics in action. Members of both houses meet here to not only debate but also create laws and national policy. The iconic building is home to sculptures, frescoes, and paintings depicting popular scenes from the country’s history.

#5: Korean and Vietnam War Veterans Memorials

This is one of the most moving sites in the country’s capital. It has names of the over 58,000 Americans that perished in the Vietnam War. Visits here are not only powerful and thought-provoking but also touching. Reading the wall’s names triggers emotions. Of great importance to note is the fact that the names aren’t arranged alphabetically but by the date, the soldiers died.

#6: National Archives Museum

Your trip to D.C. is incomplete if you’ve not visited the National Archives Museum. In fact, long entrance lines characterize this travelers’ to-do list. Some of the things you’ll see when you step inside include surviving copies of Carta and Emancipation Proclamation, Constitution and Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence among many other things.

#7: Washington National Cathedral

It’s the 6th largest cathedral in the world. Yes, that’s how massive it is. Construction first started in 1907. The Gothic style design of this massive building is perhaps one of the reasons you need to visit. Neatly maintained gardens surround this cathedral. They create a pleasant atmosphere for visitors. When visiting, take a stroll to check its high vaults, as well as flying buttresses. Alternatively, you can step inside to admire the building’s intricate glass-stained windows.

Plenty of world-class eateries exist in Washington. As the epicenter of the nation’s nonprofits and politics, the city attracts such a diverse clientele. In fact, the restaurant scene reflects the melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities. Click here to check out the top eateries to enjoy sumptuous food in the city.

Accessibility

What is for sure is that Washington D.C. is among the world’s most accessible cities. Here, the hospitality industry is always ready to welcome visitors. Planning a trip to Washington D.C.? Check out these resources to sort you out:

DC Department of Motor VehiclesMetroScootAroundDownloadable Guide

Transportation

Washington boasts the cleanest, safest, and most effective transportation system not only in the country but also throughout the world. Metro bus and Metrorail stand out as the most convenient ways to move around D.C. They provide connections for different locations across the city. Metro usually operates from 5 a.m. to midnight during weekdays and 7 a.m. – midnight on weekends. Metrobus runs plenty of routs within the city as well as the greater Washington D.C. area. Over 2,400 buses use compressed natural gas or hybrid electric drive system to ensure the city remains environmentally friendly. You can purchase a card that enables you to load a certain amount of money for repeated swiping.

Final Thoughts

The most notable thing about Washington, D.C. is the fact that you can visit anytime of the year. There’s something always going on. In spring, there’s the Cherry Blossom Festival, in December the Lighting of the National Christmas Tree, on Fourth of July the Independence Day parade as well as fireworks, not to mention the daily dose of live theater and music performances, sports events, museum exhibits, restaurant openings etc. Simply, this is where you want to be for all activities related to the country’s capital's raison d'etre.

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